Ben Shivar, Cary Town Manager, to Retire

Cary, NC — Cary Town Manager Ben Shivar will retire on September 30, 2015.

Ben Shivar Announces Retirement

Cary Town Manager Benjamin T. Shivar will retire on September 30, 2015 after nearly four decades of public service. Shivar received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from UNC Charlotte and a Master’s Degree from NC State in Public Affairs.

He started his Public Service career in Greenville as a planner and moved on to be a Community Development Director. Later, Shivar served as the Siler City Town Manager and as the Chatham County Manager before moving to Cary in 1995 to hold a position as Assistant to past Town Manager Bill Coleman. In March of 2009, Shivar became Cary’s Town Manager.

At the Town Manager’s Office, which includes Budget, Public Information and Downtown Development, Shivar is responsible for implementing the policies set forth by the Town Council and is responsible for all operational and staff departments. He recommends the annual budget and ensures that all local, state and federal laws and regulations are met.

When asked for comments about his retirement, Shivar told CaryCitizen:

If I were to emphasize a few things, they would be how grateful I am to the Council and community for their support as I, along with my staff, have worked hard to keep Cary safe and vibrant. Just like the families and businesses that call Cary home, the Town government has endured some tough times these last few years, and I hope that folks know how hard we’ve all worked to minimize impacts to their daily lives.

When my family and I moved to Cary back in the mid 1990’s, Laura, my wife, said she didn’t want to be anywhere else, and I’ve really taken that to heart as I’ve had to make decisions every day.

What’s Next?

Shivar said that his plans after retirement include enjoying more time with his wife, Laura, and his daughters. They plan to take a family trip to Spain this fall.

“Laura and I plan to stay in Cary, he told us, “and I feel good that I’m leaving the Town in a very strong position with excellent staff and thoughtful elected officials who will continue to work effectively together in the best interest of the community.”

Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht has announced that the Council will work with the Town’s Human Resources Department to evaluate options and make a decision and announcement about the selection process for Shivar’s successor in the coming weeks.

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Story compiled from the Town of Cary and a story by Matt Young. Photo by Hal Goodtree.